My Two Cents
[Editor’s Note: After the recent passing of Eli Wallach, I was surprised to learn that Bits contributor Joe Marchese was an acquaintance of the actor, having worked with him on the stage.
Joe wanted to write a personal remembrance of Wallach for The Bits and we’re very happy to share that with all of you here now.]
Okay… we’ve got a few pretty cool things to report today that should kick off July in high style!
First, here at the site today we have a couple of new columns. Todd Doogan has posted his weekly Doogan’s Queue column running down this week’s latest Blu-ray and DVD releases. Our very own Dr. Adam Jahnke has also delivered his weekly Burnt Offerings: MOD DVD column, detailing the latest hand-crafted deep catalog titles from Warner Archive and the Sony Pictures Choice Collection.
Speaking of Jahnke, he’s also turned in a review of Warner’s new 300: Rise of an Empire Blu-ray. Sounds as though the film is exactly what you’d expect. The review is a good read, so do give it a look. [Read on here…]
All right, some quick news updates today...
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has set the CG-animated film Appleseed Alpha for Blu-ray, DVD and digital release on 7/22. The discs includes audio commentary with the filmmakers and an 11-part “making of” documentary.
PBS Distribution is releasing the British sitcom Vicious, starring Sir Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi, on DVD on 7/8. [Read on here…]
Also today, Tim reviews another great Blu-ray release from Shout! and Scream Factory, circa 1983... Sleepaway Camp! Enjoy.
Before we get to the announcement news today, just a quick heads-up: Paramount’s 4-disc Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray set, which includes the 2-disc Star Trek (2009) SE and also the new 2-disc Star Trek Into Darkness SE (featuring the IMAX version of the film) is now available for pre-order on Amazon for just $31.99. Click on the link or on the cover artwork below to get your orders in. Street date is 9/9 and rebate details are still TBA. [Read on here...]
We’ve got two more Blu-ray reviews for you to enjoy today, starting with Joe Marchese’s look at Cohen Media Group’s The Vivien Leigh Anniversary Collection, which includes Dark Journey, Fire Over England, Sidewalks of London, and Storm in a Tea Cup. Tim Salmons also checks in with his thoughts on B3MP’s recent Blu-ray release of George Pal and Arnold Leibovit’s 1987 stop-motion gem The Puppetoon Movie. Enjoy! [Read on here…]